Apparatus and system for securing cargo

Abstract

A retractable securement apparatus and system for securing cargo to a support structure to prevent undesired relative movement between the cargo and the support. The apparatus comprises a strap contained in an elongate tubular member that is a component of one or both of the cargo or the support structure. One way strap stops fix ends of the strap relative to the tubular member yet allow the strap to be extended from a normally retracted position to an extended position in which hook members on one or both ends of the straps secure the cargo to the support.

I claim:  
     
       1. Securement apparatus for a vehicle rack, comprising: 
       a tubular rack member defining a passageway and having a first open end defining a first opening into the passageway;  
       a first end cap on said first open end, said first end cap having a first opening in communication with said passageway and said first end cap defining a first seat for receiving a first tie-down connector;  
       a cord in the passageway and extending through said first opening in said first end cap;  
       a first tie-down connector on said cord.  
     
     
       2. The securement apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said cord is movable 
       between a retracted position in which said first tie-down connector is received in said first seat and an extended position in which said first tie-down connector is spaced apart from said first end cap.  
     
     
       3. The securement apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said cord has a first end and a second end and said first tie-down connector is on said first end, and including a stop for fixing said second end of said cord while allowing said cord to be moved into said extended position. 
     
     
       4. The securement apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said rack member has a second open end opposite said first open end and a second end cap on said second open end, said second end cap defining a second seat for a second tie-down connector and having a second opening in communication with said passageway, wherein said first end of said cord extends through said first opening in said first end cap and said second end of said cord extends through said second opening in said second end cap, and a second tie-down connector on said second end of said cord. 
     
     
       5. The securement apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said first and second tie-down connectors are respectively received in said first and second seats. 
     
     
       6. The securement apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said cord is movable to the extended position in which the first tie-down connector is spaced apart from the first end cap. 
     
     
       7. The securement apparatus of  claim 5  including a stop for fixing one end of said cord. 
     
     
       8. The securement apparatus of  claim 7  in which the stop is defined by said second end cap.